FILE - In this March 21, 2010, file photo provided by the White House President Barack Obama talks on the phone with a member of Congress in the Chief of Staff's office at the White House, surrounded by aides, from left, Phil Schiliro, Sean Sweeney, Rahm Emanuel, Jim Messina, and Dan Turton. The Obama White House wants to keep things orderly as Democrats pick candidates for the fall 2010 elections, hoping to avoid the populist brush fires consuming the careers of some veteran Republicans; to that end it sought to protect two senators against upstart Democratic challengers who were powered, like Obama once was against Clinton, by the audacity of hope. (AP Photo/The White House, Pete Souza)

Obama’s 454 aides will make $37,121,463 this year

In his numerous fund-raising and policy speeches around the country these days, President Obama often bemoans the difficult economic times and uncertainties afflicting millions of Americans, including the nearly 14 million still seeking work unsuccessfully.

The Democrat argues that his administration needs more time to straighten out the economic mess left by somebody else, who’s been gone almost 900 days now.

But good news this morning: The challenging Obama era and 9.1% national unemployment rate do not include the 454 people now helping President Obama do presidential things.

This crowd is being paid a total of $37,121,463 this year. That’s up seven staff members and nearly $4 million from 2008, the last year of George W. Bush’s presidency.